NewsMelissa Lawley interview: Man City clash, return from injury and LFC Women depth
In the final game of 2023, the No.11 was a pivotal performer away at Manchester United Women as she helped Matt Beard’s side fight back from a goal down to claim a 2-1 win.
That display was a big step back to full fitness for the 29-year-old, who missed the opening months of the campaign after recovering from a long-term hip injury.
Sunday’s trip to Joie Stadium is the Reds’ first Barclays Women’s Super League fixture of the new year and they will head into it in a confident frame of mind after the 1-0 victory at Bristol City Women in the Adobe Women’s FA Cup fourth round last weekend.
Gareth Taylor’s City are currently in second spot in the table, with Liverpool in fifth and just four points behind.
Ahead of the 2.30pm GMT kick-off, read on as Lawley speaks with Liverpoolfc.com about feeling sharp again after her hip operation, the confidence within the squad and more...
On the Women’s FA Cup win at Bristol City…
A good performance, especially going down to 10 players. We stuck together, gritted it out and got the win. We are such a together team and that just showed you when we went down to 10 players. We know what we are capable of and got the win.
On a really encouraging season so far…
I think even from pre-season we have come into this season flying. The squad is stronger than ever, which is a positive because it brings more competition in training and you are fighting for your place. But whoever starts, we are all behind each other and we will keep pushing each other to get better. The new players that have come in have settled in brilliantly. They have all made a massive impact and it has just made us stronger.
On how she is feeling fitness-wise after her hip operation…
It was tough because I have never had a big injury before, but I think it has made me mentally stronger and it also made me miss the game. I appreciate being out there every day.
On her appreciation of the supporters, who kept her going through the tough time out on the sidelines…
The support at Liverpool is amazing and I just love playing out there in front of them and appreciate them so much.
On the win at United in their last trip to Manchester…
That game at Manchester United, I would say, is probably my best performance I’ve had playing for Liverpool and it’s where I aim myself to be. I’ve just got to keep playing consistent and doing what I can do.
On Sunday’s trip to Man City…
We want to do well in every game we play and we know we have our fans behind us. They are amazing. We hear them every game and they just spur us on to push us on and do what we are capable of.